Steam Deck vs Odin Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
A detailed comparison of the Steam Deck and Odin Pro
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Key notes
- The Steam Deck is considered one of the most powerful handheld consoles on the market, but the Odin Pro has some unique features that set it apart from others.
- AYN's Odin handheld device can run Steam either using Steam Link or by installing Windows OS.
- There are many alternatives to the Steam Deck including the AYANEO Air which has gained recent popularity.
The Steam Deck and the AYN Odin Pro have taken the gaming community by storm, but which is better? Keep reading for an in-depth comparison of the two handheld gaming consoles to find out which one is best for you.
The Odin Pro was developed by AYN Technologies and surprised many skeptical users with its performance and retro emulation.
It can be hard to come by Steam Decks and is considered quite expensive for a handheld gaming device. Let’s examine how the alternative Odin Pro holds up against the Steam Deck.
Can AYN Odin run Steam?
The Odin can run Steam using Steam Link which allows users to connect to a computer that’s running Steam. However, users will need a PC that is on the same Wi-Fi network as their Odin device.
Another method is to install Windows OS on the Odin device. With Windows on Odin, users can download and install Steam and should be able to have access to their games without issue.
Is the Steam Deck worth it?
If you have an established gaming library on Steam, then the Steam Deck is definitely worth it. The popular handheld gaming device allows users to take their favorite games with them on the go. Users can also connect with the Steam community and chat with their friends.
For a more in-depth look at the common problems with the Steam Deck and how to fix them, we have a guide for that as well.
Steam Deck VS Odin Pro: Features comparison
Design
In terms of size, the Steam Deck is significantly larger than the Odin Pro. However, the small size and weight of the Odin Pro make it more portable and convenient to carry around. Its small size also makes it easier to hold and more comfortable to game for long periods of time.
The Odin Pro and Lite have more color variations whereas the Steam Deck only comes in black. Both gaming devices are similar in that they both have built-in controllers with analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and face buttons. However, the Steam Deck hosts extra buttons and two trackpads.
Power
There’s no question that the Steam Deck is more powerful than the Odin Pro if the price difference didn’t already give it away. The Odin Pro is equipped with Snapdragon 845 whereas the Steam Deck has a custom AMD APU and 8 RDNA 2 CPU.
The Steam Deck also offers more RAM and storage with the options for 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB and a micro SD card slot. The Odin Pro offers 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and also a micro SD card slot.
Because the Odin Pro is less powerful, its battery last longer. The Odin Pro is equipped with a 6600mAh battery and the Steam Deck has a 5200mAh (40Wh) battery. Many users report that the battery on the Steam Deck drains quickly, especially when playing demanding games.
Performance
When it comes to the performance of the latest and most popular games, the Steam Deck takes the cake. With a Steam OS, the device can run most AAA games seamlessly as well as the majority of the games on Steam.
For a more comprehensive list of the best Steam Deck verified games, we offer a guide for that as well.
The Odin Pro on the other hand is perfect for retro gamers that want to play nostalgic GameCube and Wii games. The Odin Pro also runs on Android OS so users can play most Android games.
Price
Many users point out that you get what you pay for with the Steam Deck and the Odin Pro. The Steam Deck is quite a bit more expensive with prices starting at $399, but it is more powerful than the Odin Pro.
However, the Odin Pro is perfect for those who are looking for something cheaper but still offers high-performance retro gaming. The Odin Pro starts at $289, however, there is also the Odin Lite starting at $199.
What other Steam Deck alternatives are there?
One of the most popular alternatives is the Nintendo Switch, which also has a Lite version.
Another powerful handheld alternative to the Steam Deck is the AYANEO Air, which has received rave reviews over its power and performance.
Our conclusion
There are many factors to consider when comparing the Steam Deck vs. the Odin Pro. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you want out of a handheld gaming console after reviewing our guide.
If you want a console with the power and performance to handle AAA games, then the Steam Deck is for you. However, if you’re a retro gamer, then perhaps the Odin Pro is best.
We hope this article shed some light on Steam Deck vs. Odin Pro and their differences. Let us know in the comments which handheld gaming console you prefer and why.
